Does Breast Augmentation Affect Nipple Sensitivity?

Does Breast Augmentation Affect Nipple Sensitivity?

Posted By
Smith Plastic Surgery

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular, widely sought-after plastic
surgery procedures available, so it should come as no surprise that many
women have questions about it. One of the most common concerns for prospective
patients is in regards to nipple sensitivity. While reduced nipple sensation
is indeed a possibility, a skilled plastic surgeon will take great care
to ensure that the nerves of a patient’s breasts are protected.
The technique of your surgeon will also greatly factor into postoperative
nipple sensitivity, which is why it is imperative to choose a board-certified
plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing these types of procedures.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a minority of
women who received saline-filled breast implants experienced nipple sensation
changes in the aftermath of their breast augmentation surgery. Three years
after the surgery, between 5% and 9% of women experienced more intense
nipple sensation while another 8% of women lost nipple sensation.

Correlation Between Technique and Nipple Sensation

Surgeons have a few different approaches available to them when it comes
to inserting the breast implant, which can not only affect whether a patient
will experience a lack of nipple sensitivity, but the appearance of scars
as well. These techniques include:

Inframammary: The surgeon will make a short incision in the crease beneath the breast,
which is referred to as the inframammary fold. It will leave a 1 to 2
inch scar that is easily concealed.

Peri-areolar: The surgeon will make an incision around the outer edge of the areolar,
resulting in a scar that naturally blends in with the nipple’s pigmentation.

Trans-axillary: The surgeon will make a small incision within the armpit and place the
breast implant while using a specialized camera and instruments for optimal
placement. It will leave a small scar on the armpit, but none of the breasts
themselves.

Transumbilical: The surgeon will make an incision just above the belly button and each
implant will be inserted through this incision and brought up to the breast.
Much like the trans-axillary procedure, it will not leave any scarring
on the breasts.

Generally, methods that involve the areolar present a higher risk of reduced
nipple sensitivity since it is often difficult to leave the nerve branch
ending that leads into the breast entirely intact. However, it is also
one of the best methods to effectively conceal scars, so it is important
for you to weigh your options with your plastic surgeon and decide what
risks you are willing to accept.

Other Factors That Affect Nipple Sensitivity

Of course, there are other elements that can affect one’s nipple
sensitivity besides the technique a surgeon uses. For example, when patients
choose breast implants that are too large for their frame, this could
put a strain on the nerves leading into the breast, which can affect nipple
sensation. Additionally, placement of the implant can also affect nipple
sensitivity. Positioning the implant below the chest muscle, also known
as submuscular placement, presents a much lower risk of reduced nipple
sensitivity compared to subglandular placement, which involves placing
the implant behind the breast tissue.

Breast Augmentation in Las Vegas

At Smith Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeon is board-certified and is
considered to be one of the most experienced and well-trained plastic
surgeons in the western United States. If you are considering breast augmentation,
Dr. Lane Smith will ensure you receive exceptional results that will satisfy
you and give you the boost in confidence you are seeking. Why settle for
any less than the best?

Contact our office today at (702) 838-2455 to make an appointment and discuss
your goals and concerns. If you live a long distance from Las Vegas, we
can arrange an online consultation.

*Disclaimer: The photos, results, and testimonials on this website are
not intended to represent the results that all patients will experience.
Results may vary for both non-surgical and surgical procedures. Before
and after photos on this website are Dr. Lane Smith’s actual patients
and all patients have given consent for use of these photos. All information
on this site is intended for general purposes and is in no way a substitute
for professional medical advice. Dr. Smith is not liable for any actions
or decisions that may have been taken as a result of information provided
on this website. It is strongly suggested that all prospective clients
perform their own independent research regarding Smith Plastic Surgery
and our qualifications.